Disclaimer: Once again! I do not own the Phantom of the Opera or anything that goes with it. Sob

Hello again! Sorry that I've taken so long to update, but I've gotten sooo much homework with school starting. Sadly, it's going to take me a little longer to update now, but I promise I will finish this story! Thanks again for all the reviews, I would like to give a special thanks to SilverSummerMoonand TheInVisibleGirlfor being consistent reviewers, you guys rock! Hey, and If anyone else wants to be thanked by a super awesome phantom-nerd, just review! Lol…just kidding… but really. I hope you enjoy this chapter!-QKeys

Chapter 5- Something must be done

Charlotte trudged into her dorm room, collapsing on a chair. This was too much. Charlotte got up from her chair and started to pace around the small dorm room she shared with her room mate, Ginny, who was fast asleep. Loud snores broke into Charlotte's thoughts. It had been 7 years now. Her little Erik was a teenager! Charlotte sighed, as she stared at her worn-out face in the mirror. After seven years of sneaking leftovers, skipping classes, and endless organ lessons, she hardly had time to talk to her boyfriend! Oh what would Erik do if he found I loved someone else? Charlotte shuddered. Erik would be furious. But charlotte tried not to think of that, because she was exhausted. She quickly shed herself of her clothing, slipped her nightgown on, and then climbed into her bed, trying not to think of the rough future ahead of her.

He loved her. Erik smiled happily as he laid down on his cushion, thinking about his beloved Charlotte. Tomorrow was the day. Tomorrow he would pledge his love to her, and her was positive that she loved him back. Why else would she show so much compassion to him? From the day she had saved his live, Erik had loved her more than anything else in the entire world. He smiled as he thought of her warm, beautiful face.

"Just one more day, my Charlotte." He said to himself. "Just one more day."

The next day Charlotte got out of bed early and quickly dressed. She prepared a basket of food for Erik, and silently tip-toed out the door and made her way to the catacombs. Erik had been acting strangely lately, and she hoped that he was in a good mood. As Charlotte neared the lake, the sweet, sad sound of Erik's playing poured around her. It seemed that boy never got off that organ! After Charlotte tied the boat up, She walked up behind Erik, watching his fingers fly across the keys. She closed her eyes and listened, letting the music devour her. When the magical playing ended Charlotte opened her eyes and clapped softly. Surprised, Erik whirled around to face her.

"O charlotte!" He smiled. "It's only you." He quickly slid off the organ bench and kissed her hand, something Charlotte had taught him to do in the presence of ladies. As Erik straightened himself up, Charlotte could not help staring. Gone was the young boy that Charlotte used to know. In his place was a young man, handsome and charming, with dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. His mask, something Charlotte had made for him, covered his face, but could not totally hide his beautiful features. He was dressed in all black, which seemed to suit him. He was tall and muscular, for a boy his age, and he hardly looked like a boy anymore. As charlotte stared into his eyes, she felt something, something dangerous. Despite Erik's wonderful manners, each day he seemed to be turning a little colder, and more demanding. There was no doubt that Erik had a ferocious temper. His beautiful eyes, seemed to be more distant, and gone were the smiles on his face. She loved him dearly, but he seemed to be changing. Charlotte bit her lip nervously. She knew that Erik was very much in love with her, and she had to tell him about the man she loved. She had to tell him about Javert.

"Erik…" Charlotte started. "I have to tell you something."

Erik stared quizzically at his love. "Anything Charlotte. What is it you want to say?"

Charlotte looked down at her feet. She couldn't do it! She couldn't crush Erik's hopes and dreams. But she had to. It had to be done sooner or later.

"Erik… I….I…I'm in love." Charlotte stared as hard as she could at the ground, trying to avoid Erik's crushed gaze. But Erik surprised her.

"Oh Charlotte, I never though this would happen!" Erik shouted happily in his deep voice. "I love you to! I've always loved you! Charlotte's mouth dropped in shock. Oh no! She thought. This is horrible! What am I going to do? Before she knew it, Erik's arms were wrapped around her, hugging her tightly.

"I love you Charlotte. "Erik murmured. Tears leaked down from Charlottes face as she gently pulled away from Erik's grasp.

"E-e-erik…" Christine whispered. "It's someone else."

"What? W-what do you mean?

"Erik…I have a boyfriend."

Silence.

After what seemed like hours, Charlotte finally looked up. Erik was kneeling on the ground, tears leaking out from under his mask. But this time, Erik did not look miserable. He looked furious.

"Get out." He whispered. "Get out."

"Erik…" Charlotte tried to caress his face, but suddenly Erik batted her arm away with surprising force.

"Get the hell out of here!" He shouted. "GET OUT!"

Quickly Charlotte ran to the boat, hot tears firing down her face, stinging her eyes. He was starting to get dangerous. Suddenly Charlotte felt a sharp blow to her shoulder blade. Erik had thrown a bowl at her! As a book barely missed her head, Charlotte finally rowed enough distance between them so that Erik could not hit her anymore.

"I HATE YOU CHARLOTTE!" Erik bellowed. "DON'T YOU EVER COME BACK! EVER! I DON'T NEED YOU! I CAN DO EVERYTHING ON MY OWN! I'VE BEEN TORTURED FOR THE LAST TIME! I SWEAR CHARLOTTE; IF YOU COME BACK I'LL KILL YOU! I 'L KILL YOU! Erik crumpled into a heap, sobbing hysterically.

"Damn you Charlotte." He cried. "Damn you."

Charlotte looked back at the huddled figure, her sobs joining with his to compose a song of true pain, and love.

"Erik…" Charlotte choked. "I'm sorry."

Sobbing still, Charlotte finally rowed the boat out of site, and out of Erik's life.

Erik watched the small boat sail out of site, carrying the only love of his live. The only person who had ever shown compassion to him, was now gone.

"Damn her" Erik whispered. "I don't need her. I don't need anybody!" Erik tore of his mask, and staggered to a mirror.

"I hate you." Erik murmured. "Get out of my life!" Erik threw his mask at the mirror, watched it as it clanged against the surface and dropped to the ground. Suddenly, Erik was filled with anger.

"Why god? What have I done to deserve this? Nothing! It's all of them! Not me!" Erik yelled at the top of his lungs, and then fell on his knees, hot tears blurring his vision. Erik stayed frozen like that for a many moments, thinking slowly. A strange smile spread across Erik's face. He slowly stood on his feet, wiping the tears from his face.

Smiling oddly, Erik walked over to his mask and picked it up. "I'll make them pay." Erik smiled as he slid the mask over his face, and smoothed down his hair. "No one will defy me. They will all pay!" Erik smiled. "Just like my trainer in the circus." Erik grinned at the refreshing thought of killing that man, slowly and painfully. But then thoughts of Charlotte drifted into his mind, thoughts telling him that murdering was bad, a sin, a terrible thing to do.

"Good." Erik thought. No one cared for me, so why should I care for them? Gone was the innocent little boy who had a heart of gold. A new being is born. But what if people defy him?

"Well," chuckled Erik, "They will just have to pay the price."